The proposal by Republican Rep. Samantha Kerkman makes it illegal to buy, sell or transfer food stamp benefits for cash and unlawful purposes.

A Senate committee is scheduled to vote on the measure Friday. An Assembly committee approved it 5-2 on Thursday. It is scheduled to be taken up by the full Assembly on Tuesday.

Kerkman says she has heard about incidents where food stamp users in her district would sell their benefit cards and ask for a free replacement. Opponents of the measure argue it would unfairly stigmatize users who haven't engaged in any misconduct.

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